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We were so obvious it was a wonder the whole town wasn’t gossiping about it. How Silas hadn’t realized it, I didn’t know.

At least we could trust Penny to keep it under wraps until the time came that we could proclaim it.

Trevan ushered me out the door and into the clear day.

Fall was near. The air cooler as it softly wisped through the trees.

His hand settled on the small of my back, and a shiver rolled through me at his touch.

Innocent to everyone else since he’d always stood like a sentry around me, but I could feel the greed in it. The way his thumb traced over the spot where his hand rested and he angled in a little closer than necessary.

We hurried across the porch and down the stairs, and he turned me to the right in the direction of the diner across the lot.

Another shiver rushed across my flesh.

But this one was different.

It slowed my steps as agitation crawled over me.

Spiky awareness that made me pause and look over my shoulder.

To the store and the gravel lot beyond.

Only one customer’s car was parked at the very front, and my truck and Penny’s car were further down the side.

Everything was still and silent except for the gentle sway of the branches that whooshed in the backdrop.

“What is it?” Trevan asked, peering that way, too.

I shoved it off and forced a bright smile. “It’s nothing.”

I was just being paranoid. Terrified of losing the sanctuary I had found.

We crossed the large lot, and Trevan swung open the door to the busy diner.

It bustled with activity and the clamor of dishes and voices.

It was super cute inside. An old barn that had once been used as the Post Office before a more modern one had been built in the main part of town.

It also reeked of grease and bacon.

Trevan stepped up to the stand. “Two,” he said, and the woman guided us into the restaurant to a small table.

Trevan gestured for me to sit on the booth side, and once I was settled, he plunked into the chair.

“Your server will be right over,” she said as she passed us menus.

“Thank you,” I said.

I immediately dipped my attention to the menu, though a disbelieving laugh worked up my throat when a hand suddenly cupped my knee under the table.

I lowered the menu. “Are you trying to get us into trouble?”

Mischief played all over Trevan’s obscenely handsome face. “What? No one can see this. As far as they can tell, I’m just your bodyguard.”

“My bodyguard who wants to eat me rather than what’s being offered on the menu,” I mumbled, turning my attention back to the laminated paper.

He chuckled. A rough scraping that caressed my skin. God, I couldn’t wait until he could sit tucked up close to me. Toss his arm over my shoulder and I could snuggle into his side.